2nd GMAT Attempt

Question

Hi everyone,

I have my 2nd GMAT attempt in 2 weeks.

My first attempt was back in 2011. Although my priority was to gain some work experience, I decided to write GMAT in case I would change my mind and decide to pursue my masters. I found it tough to balance my work and studies and didn't really prepare much. Needless to say, I scored pretty low - 580.

This time around, I am applying to Ms. Finance. Although, the minimum requirement is 600, I need to ensure i score as much as I can, so that can consider other schools in case the program's seats get exhausted.

I have completed Manhattan study guides for quant and am resorting to Kaplan 800 for Verbal.
Solving the problems posted in the forum with the timer (both quant and verbal)

I am planning to take the GMAT Club tests, the GMAT prep tests and probably the Veritas tests.

I would really appreciate some suggestions on improving the score.

Thanks,

jpeeples85 · Answer

I think that you need to take a diagnostic test. Do you remember your score breakdown from the first time that you took the test? That'd give you a sense of what to focus on. For example, if you got Q49 V20 580, you'd need to work on verbal. If you got a V40 Q31 580, you'd probably want to spend more time on quant.

You also need to get a sense of what type of questions you're missing within quant and verbal. I think the sentence correction questions can be tough, but learning a few simple rules can go a long way on the verbal section, and you could probably make a big improvement in a short amount of time. I saw an improvement of about 50 points in 1-2 weeks just from focusing on sentence corrections.

If you can identify specific areas that you need to work on, people are here could probably direct you to some good resources. There are plenty of discussions about how to prepare in general that can be found elsewhere on the forum, so I'd read through those as well.

RMD007 · Answer

I would suggest you to give some tests and analyse your score range. It will help you to find your improvement areas.

Skywalker18 · Answer

Hi  buntypk1989  ,
I suggest that you should take one of the two GMAT Prep practice tests . Based on your score you can decide on how and what to study .
- For tests i would suggest that you stick to GMAT Prep tests that are available - there is Exam pack 1 and 2 . So, in total you have 6 official exams.
- For Quant - Manhattan or Veritas prep guides are good 
- Verbal - eGMAT on demand or live course 
 SC - Manhattan SC or e-GMAT course
 CR - Powerscore Bible
 RC - Manhattan , Veritas or e-GMAT strategy 
- GMAT Prep question pack 1
- GMAT Club tests are fantastic for quant practice .

Hope this helps!!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi buntypk1989,

You last Official GMAT was taken before the IR section was added to the Test, so you'll have a different overall experience when you take the Official GMAT now. Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied?
2) What materials have you used?
3) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?

Goals:
4) Since you're interested in Finance Programs, do any of those Programs have a minimal Quant Scaled Score requirement?
5) What are the exact application deadlines for the Schools that you're interested in?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

buntypk1989 · Answer

Hi everyone,

Thank you so much for your advice. It really helps.

As for some of the questions:
1. I have started my preparation a month back approx.
2. I have completed the Manhattan Math Guides.
3. My Verbal is comparatively better than Quant (V40,Q31). So am focusing more on Quant.
4. I agree with you, have started practicing the GMAT Club tests and they are pretty helpful, have seen a marginal improvement in Quant. Hope another week of practice helps me achieve better.
5. I need a score of 600 to get the admission, though it would be great if I can do better than that.

Appreciate your responses so much. The above replies and suggestions have really made a big difference

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi buntypk1989,

To start, based on the date of your original post, your Official GMAT is in about 1 week. Is that still the case (or have you pushed back your Test Date)?

Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so If you've been studying for just 1 month or so, then that would help to explain why you haven't scored significantly higher yet. If you could spend more time on a consistent study routine, then you would likely have a better chance at scoring above 600.

All of that having been said, if you're going to stick with your current Test Date, then you should be careful not to do too much studying in this last week (you do not want to 'burn out' right before your Official GMAT). In addition, to hit your score goal you do not have to correctly answer ANY questions that you think are too hard or too weird on the Official GMAT, but you do have to keep the little mistakes to a minimum on all of the 'gettable' questions.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

buntypk1989 · Answer

Thank you so much Rich.

Want to thank you and all others who have given their time to help me out and replied to my comments.

Unfortunately, due to some other commitments, I could not postpone the exam. On the bright side, my exam went okay, and was able to get 620. I know I should have dedicated more time, but am happy with the results, given the limited time I studied.

Thanks once again

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